Gov. Scott appeals rejection of algae state of emergency

STUART, Fla. (AP) – Florida Gov. Rick Scott is criticizing the Obama administration’s refusal to declare a federal state of emergency because of algae blooms on the St. Lucie River.

TCPalm reports that the governor filed an appeal of the decision Sunday.

Scott criticized the federal government for allegedly failing to maintain and repair the Herbert Hoover Dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee. He has argued that if the dike were stronger, less polluted water would need to be released into the river.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the request last month, saying the state hasn’t shown it can’t handle the problem on its own.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has said that even after the dike reinforcement project is finished in 2020, water levels on the lake may not be increased.